Dear Intermediate School Families,
We had a good week at the intermediate school, with the boys and girls working toward growth in academics, the arts, physical health and wellbeing, and their social skills development. We thank you for your support at home as the children focus on not only their homework, but also navigating interactions with peers who are all working toward growth too. Your support of all children in our school and district is so appreciated!
Please be reminded that tomorrow, April 1st is an early (11:30 a.m.) dismissal day for students.
ELA MCAS This Coming Week in Grades Five and Four:
Please be reminded that the fifth graders will participate in the ELA MCAS on Tuesday, the 2nd and Wednesday, the 3rd next week, while the fourth graders will participate on the 4th and the 5th.
Students are encouraged to prepare by:
enjoying a good night’s sleep
choosing his/her school clothing before bedtime
packing up his/her fully charged chromebooks, charger, and case
packing a healthy snack
having a healthy breakfast at home or grabbing one at school
having a refillable bottle full of water ready
packing up a reading for pleasure book for when he/she finishes testing
Most importantly, we want every student to arrive with a positive attitude, and a strong desire to do his or her very best work!
Autism Awareness Day:
Autism Awareness Day is this Tuesday, the 2nd. To honor this day, we hope you will encourage your children to wear blue to school to promote and support an understanding and acceptance for those with autism. Autism is a non-progressive neurological disorder typically appearing before the age of three years, and it affects the development of verbal and non-verbal communication, as well as social interaction. Some of the wonderful strengths many people with autism possess are an attention to detail, strong visual perception, creative and artistic talents, technical and mathematical abilities, and character attributes such as honesty and loyalty! Dr. Colin Zimbleman wrote, "autism offers a chance for us to glimpse an awe-filled vision of the world that might otherwise pass us by” and it is my hope that you all know or will get to know someone with autism who can give you a glimpse at his/her awesomeness!
Greater Massachusetts Special Needs Events:
A Message from the American Heart Association:
On behalf of the American Heart Association, thank you very much for raising $3,294.58 with the recent Kids Heart Challenge /American Heart Challenge program. Families and schools are critical links in providing the foundation for cardiovascular wellness in our country. Your support and participation in the Kids Heart Challenge/American Heart Challenge makes a tremendous impact in helping millions of Americans through increased awareness of cardiovascular disease, lifesaving scientific research and critically needed education efforts.
Grade Four Social Studies:
Students are continuing their travels throughout the United States regions. Each region we go to, not only are we learning the states, capitals and locations, but we are also learning about the different landforms, culture and landmarks that are in each region. At the end of the year, we will have covered all 50 states and will be completing a culminating activity on the states.
Grade Four Science:
Students have been learning about the features and events that occur all over the world due to tectonic plate movement. Students have looked at maps to determine patterns of earthquakes and volcanoes along plate boundaries which are evidence of plate movement. The students participated in a fun hands-on activity to demonstrate the three different types of plate movement.
Grade Five Social Studies:
Students are learning about the Constitution of the United States. During this unit, students learn about the problems with the Articles of Confederation, the compromises that occurred during the Constitutional Convention, the three branches of government and the system of checks and balances, the Bill of Rights, and the struggle to ratify.
Grade Five Science:
Students are learning about energy and matter cycles in ecosystems. Students have learned that the Sun is the original source of energy in most ecosystems. Energy is then passed between organisms in food chains and food webs. Students are also learning how matter can cycle through an ecosystem, including the exchange of carbon dioxide and oxygen between plants and animals, the movement of matter through digestion and decomposition, and the water cycle. Now that spring is here, look for opportunities to observe the plants, animals, and decomposers in your neighborhood.
Nature’s Classroom:
Chaperones whose names were selected in the lottery have been notified by Mrs. Snyder, the coordinator of the trip. Once all chaperones are confirmed, a list will be sent home to students attending. Final paperwork, including roommate selections sheet, and amount due for the trip will be sent home after April vacation. If you have any questions, please email the coordinator at ssnyder@freelake.org.
Apponequet Junior Football and Cheer for our 2024 Football Program:
FLAA Baseball:
MCAS Practice Links:
http://mcas.pearsonsupport.com/student/practice-tests-ela/
http://mcas.pearsonsupport.com/student/practice-tests-math/
http://mcas.pearsonsupport.com/student/practice-tests-science/
Dates to Remember:
Early Dismissal at 11:30 a.m. – April 1st
Autism Awareness and Acceptance Day - April 2nd
District DEI-B Meeting - April 2nd in ARHS Lecture Hall from 6 - 8 p.m.
Spring Time Big Time Bright Clothes Day - April 11th
No School – April 12th
Spring Vacation – April 15th through the 19th
Scholastic Book Fair – April 29th through May 3rd
No School – May 27th
Nature’s Classroom – June 4th - 7th
Survivor Day – June 14th
Projected Last Day of School – June 20th (11:30 a.m. Dismissal)
Spring MCAS Dates:
Grade Five ELA MCAS – April 2nd & 3rd
Grade Four ELA MCAS – April 4th & 5th
Grade Five Math MCAS – May 13th & 14th
Grade Four Math MCAS – May 15th & 16th
Grade Five Science MCAS – May 20th & 21st
Respectfully,
Dr. Sullivan
508.923.3506 X3150